Events & AwardsMar 26, 2026
JA Still Accepting Entries for 2026 CASE AwardsEvents & AwardsFeb 12, 2026
Kering Opens Entries for 2026 Sustainability-Focused Award
The “Kering Generation Award x Jewelry” returns for its second year with “Second Chance, First Choice” as its theme.
The award aims to foster sustainability in the industry. The winner in the student designer category will receive an internship with Kering’s jewelry brands, while the winner in the startups category will be awarded mentorship with Poli.Design at Politecnico di Milano.
Paris—Kering’s sustainability-focused award, in partnership with the World Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO) and Poli.Design at Politecnico di Milano, has returned for its second edition.
The “Kering Generation Award x Jewelry” debuted last year at JCK Las Vegas as an extension of its “Generation Award” that launched in 2018 for the fashion sector.
The award seeks to promote sustainability and innovation in the jewelry sector, focusing on efforts by young designers and startups.
“In today’s world, the jewelry we produce must reflect society’s concern for environmental and social awareness, enhanced through the innovative use of new technologies and knowledge in a circular economy. The Kering Generation x Jewelry award celebrates this movement,” said Gaetano Cavalieri, president of CIBJO.
The theme of the second edition is the same as the first edition, “Second Chance, First Choice.”
Kering said the goal of the theme is to reduce the environmental impact of the jewelry industry in terms of products, processes, services, and technology through innovative solutions across new innovative materials, artificial intelligence, packaging, and retail-focused technologies.
Related stories will be right here …
The “Kering Generation Award x Jewelry” debuted last year at JCK Las Vegas as an extension of its “Generation Award” that launched in 2018 for the fashion sector.
The award seeks to promote sustainability and innovation in the jewelry sector, focusing on efforts by young designers and startups.
“In today’s world, the jewelry we produce must reflect society’s concern for environmental and social awareness, enhanced through the innovative use of new technologies and knowledge in a circular economy. The Kering Generation x Jewelry award celebrates this movement,” said Gaetano Cavalieri, president of CIBJO.
The theme of the second edition is the same as the first edition, “Second Chance, First Choice.”
Kering said the goal of the theme is to reduce the environmental impact of the jewelry industry in terms of products, processes, services, and technology through innovative solutions across new innovative materials, artificial intelligence, packaging, and retail-focused technologies.
Kering and its jewelry brands—Boucheron, Pomellato, Dodo, and Qeelin—will work with 10 universities, selected by Poli.Design at Politecnico di Milano—that offer courses on jewelry and sustainability for the contest.
The students will be mentored by the professors and tasked with transforming discarded materials into valuable pieces, while the startups will use an existing product, technology, or services in the jewelry sector that aligns with the contest’s theme.
“This approach aims to elevate the concept of sustainability, transcending the value of materials,” said Kering.
“By engaging young creatives from leading international academic institutions and emerging entrepreneurial ventures, the initiative positions itself as a space for collaboration and experimentation, dedicated to fostering new ideas and responsible approaches for the future,” added Alba Cappellieri, head of jewelry at Politecnico di Milano and the scientific coordinator of the award.
The four shortlisted finalists of the Kering Generation Award x Jewelry will present their projects to a jury in July during Haute Couture Week in Paris.
Two winners will be chosen, one student and one startup.
The student winner will be offered an internship opportunity with one of Kering’s jewelry brands.
The startup winner will be awarded mentorship from Poli.Design at Politecnico di Milano.
Applications will be accepted through April 15.
For more information and to apply, visit Poli.Design’s website.
“The success of the inaugural Kering Generation Award x Jewelry showed us just how many emerging leaders are eager to drive change and redefine sustainable jewelry,” said Marie-Claire Daveu, chief sustainability and institutional affairs officer at Kering.
“At Kering, we believe that fostering ideas at the intersection of craftsmanship, technology, and environmental responsibility is not just important—it is essential.”
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
SourcingJul 02, 2026
London Diamond Bourse Elects First Female PresidentCharlotte Rose said her election is “a sign that this is an industry capable of change.”
Supplier BulletinJul 02, 2026
Elevating Retail Showcases with Today's Necklace & Bracelet TrendsSponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply
TrendsJul 02, 2026
Oscar Heyman’s Flag Brooch Celebrates AmericaThe American jewelry house, founded by Latvian immigrants, has been creating American flag brooches since 1917.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
IndependentsJul 02, 2026
D. Geller & Son Partners with KSU Art Students on Store MuralThe artwork celebrates the Atlanta jeweler’s legacy and symbolizes its commitment to supporting local artists and its community.
Weekly QuizJul 01, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SurveysJul 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Ticks Up in JuneFalling oil prices were a factor in the slight month-over-month improvement.
CollectionsJul 01, 2026
Rio Grande Launches First Finished Bridal CollectionThe new offering comprises more than 120 bridal and engagement ring styles with natural and lab-grown diamonds.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
WatchesJul 01, 2026
Rolex Unveils Clock at Rockefeller CenterThe clock is part of the celebration for the soon-to-open Rolex headquarters on New York City’s Fifth Avenue.
IndependentsJul 01, 2026
Kristen Cannon of Valobra Master Jewelers Dies at 49The public relations professional is remembered for her benevolent generosity and unwavering commitment to those around her.
WatchesJun 30, 2026
Pokémon Fans Will Want to Catch This New G-Shock WatchThe new watch commemorates Pokémon’s 30th anniversary.
MajorsJun 30, 2026
Saks Global Emerges From Bankruptcy With New NameThe luxury retailer is now called Exemplar Luxury Group.
CollectionsJun 30, 2026
Jade Ruzzo’s New Collection Embodies the Art of Being a LadyThe “Lady” collection is a new take on old beauty standards with gemstone-adorned hair pins and combs, a compact mirror necklace, and more.
SourcingJun 30, 2026
Blue Nile Introduces Montana Sapphire CollectionThe new line is included in the e-tailer’s curation of jewelry celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
GradingJun 30, 2026
AGS Opens 2026 Recertification ExamAll active members who earned their credential or designation before Dec. 1, 2025, are required to recertify.
CollectionsJun 29, 2026
Briony Raymond’s New Collection Is a ‘Carousel’ of Hard StonesThe new jewelry collection uses a colorful palette of onyx, malachite, tiger’s eye, mother-of-pearl, lapis, turquoise, and coral.
IndependentsJun 29, 2026
Look Inside Lee Michaels’ Revamped Mississippi FlagshipLee Michaels Fine Jewelry is celebrating 30 years in the Ridgeland, Mississippi community.
GradingJun 29, 2026
National Rarities Announces New Gemology ManagerSean Milliner has joined the company.
GradingJun 29, 2026
GIA to Open New London CampusClasses will begin in August at GIA’s new Canary Wharf location.
AuctionsJun 26, 2026
‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Finds a New Home A ring set with “hogback” diamonds, an early stone cut dating to around the 16th century, sold for more than $20,000 at a U.K. auction.
CollectionsJun 26, 2026
Strength Is Sharpened Into Beauty in Kris Averi’s ‘Prism Thorn’ RingThe rainbow version of the ring, our Piece of the Week, features angel-cut, octahedral lab-grown sapphires designed to be worn as armor.
MajorsJun 26, 2026
Rembrandt Charms Debuts ‘Charms That Give Back’The new initiative donates a portion of the proceeds from select charms to charitable causes.
TrendsJun 26, 2026
Bernard James Celebrates Knicks’ Win with RingThe Brooklyn-based jeweler created a limited-edition version of its “Aura” eternity band, set with gemstones in the team’s colors.
SourcingJun 25, 2026
ICA Names Brandee Dallow as CEODallow will lead the International Colored Gemstone Association, effective July 6.
EditorsJun 25, 2026
Out & About: How Jewelers Mutual, SCAD Are Tackling the Bench Jeweler ShortageSenior Editor Lenore Fedow headed to Savannah to learn more about the 10-year, $10 million partnership between JM and the art school.
CollectionsJun 25, 2026
Mejuri Experiments With SteelIts new capsule jewelry collection features gold-finished stainless steel pieces designed for a maximalist look without a luxury price tag.
SourcingJun 25, 2026
Annie Doresca, Mark Smelzer, Sara Yood Join Gem Legacy BoardThe three industry leaders bring financial, communications, and legal expertise to the nonprofit’s board of directors.
